Overview
Political opponents faced severe restrictions on the right to freedom of association and some disappeared or were killed. Those expressing opinions deemed to be critical of the ruling party, the government and its policies, faced prosecution and lengthy prison sentences. Rwanda continued to host around 150,000 refugees, primarily from Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). President Paul Kagame pardoned 52 women jailed for having, or assisting with, abortions. The right to abortion remained restricted. Efforts to bring to justice those suspected to be responsible for the 1994 genocide continued.
Death penalty status
Abolitionist for all crimes
Does not use the death penalty
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Catherine Mgendi
East Africa Media Manager, +254 (0) 20 428 30 20 catherine.mgendi@amnesty.org
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